Page 107 of Thrill

Bruce’s face lit up. “That would be incredible.”

“Would Denise allow it?”

Bruce considered it for a second. “I think I can be so annoying she’ll be kissing your feet.”

Danny shook his head. Poor Denise didn’t know what she would be dealing with.

“And I’m roping my dad in too,” he said. “Sounds like a terrible trio has just been born.”

Danny looked around the shop. It was going to be his. There were changes he’d like to make. They’d be slow and gentle. It would upset Bruce too much if he swept through the place like a cyclone.

“I’ll get on to the legal lot tomorrow,” Bruce said. “But I don’t see why I can’t give you the keys now, lad. Hey, what are you doing about your job?”

Here we go.

“I handed my notice in last week.”

“You cocky bugger.”

“Nah, I’m done with Pleasure Seekers. Whatever had happened.”

“Have you spoken to Tyler yet?”

“I vowed I wouldn’t until I had this place in the bag.”

Bruce struggled up out of the chair. Danny leapt to help him but he shook him off.

“Seems to me, you’ve got something else to do today, then,” Bruce said, holding up a set of keys. “The alarm code is…”

“Eight. Zero. Zero. Eight.”

“Boob.”

“That’s changing. Immediately.”

Bruce hugged him. “Take care of the old place. There’s more of me in these walls than I’d care to admit.”

“I will. I promise.”

“I know it.”

Danny watched Bruce head toward the door.

“You can call a cab from here.”

“I’d rather do it from The White Swan. One pint won’t hurt and if you tell on me, I’ll cancel the whole thing. A vape shop was very interested, you know.”

Danny shook his head. “What a load of bollocks. Be off with you.”

The familiar bell rang as Bruce let himself out. Danny couldn’t even fathom how deeply that moment would have affected his old friend. A swell of pride burst in his chest that he’d guaranteed Bruce’s legacy.

Danny hugged himself in anticipation of what was to come. He couldn’t wait to get started. In fact, he would make a plan for opening the shop at weekends while he served his notice.

He would definitely decorate and get some social media going. Brighton was a cool place. New Lives had always been an undiscovered gem.

Brace yourselves. You’ll be hearing from me soon.

This was going to be something really special. He truly believed that now. That time with Bruce had meant the world. Danny would stop at nothing to keep him a part of this place.